FLAT-WINGED TAPIR
DESCRIPTION
Flat-Winged Tapir is a unique species of tapir known for its distinctive flat, wing-like ears that help it detect sounds in its dense forest habitat. This species has a robust body covered in coarse, dark brown fur, with a short, flexible snout that it uses to forage for food. Flat-Winged Tapirs are generally solitary animals, spending most of their time foraging for fruits, leaves, and aquatic plants in their lush environments.
FUN FACTS
- Flat-Winged Tapirs are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath underwater for several minutes, allowing them to evade predators
- They also have a unique social behavior where they communicate through a series of vocalizations, including whistles and grunts, to signal their presence to others in the area
QUICK INFO
Lifespan15-20 years in wild, up to 30 in captivity
Average Weight150-250 kg
Average Length1.8-2.5 m
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social Structuresolitary
Activity PatternNocturnal
Breeding SeasonYear-round
- Habitat
- Flat-Winged Tapirs inhabit tropical and subtropical forests, often near water sources such as rivers and swamps. They prefer dense vegetation that provides cover and abundant food resources.
- Biomes
- Tropical Rainforest, Swamp
- Native Range
- This species is native to the lowland forests of South America.
- Continent
- South America
- Countries
- Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru
- Diet
- Flat-Winged Tapirs primarily consume a herbivorous diet consisting of leaves, fruits, and aquatic vegetation.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- fruits, leaves, aquatic plants
- Social Structure
- solitary
- Activity Pattern
- Nocturnal
- Group Size
- 1
- Territorial
- 0
NT
VU
LC
150-250 kg
Weight
1.8-2.5 m
Length
- Coloration
- dark brown fur with lighter underparts
- Lifespan
- 15-20 years in wild, up to 30 in captivity
- Gestation Period
- 110 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 1
- Sexual Maturity
- 3-4 years
- Breeding Season
- Year-round
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population of Flat-Winged Tapirs is currently stable, but they face threats from habitat loss.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 20,000-25,000
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to deforestation and hunting. These activities have led to a decline in their natural habitat and food sources.
- Predators
- Jaguar, Crocodiles, Large snakes
- Defense Mechanisms
- Flat-Winged Tapirs rely on their camouflage and the dense vegetation of their habitat to avoid predators.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon